Navigating through the command line can be daunting and often requires looking up various commands online for performing tasks. This is where How2 steps in, a handy command-line companion that uses advanced AI models to suggest shell commands straight in your Unix Terminal.
How2 is essentially a bridge between your command line and a deep well of knowledge on shell commands. It employs several AI models that have been meticulously retrained on Bash and Zsh commands. The AI is under constant development to enhance the relevance and precision of suggestions, specifically tailored to the command-line experience.
To make it accessible for the casual user, How2 offers five free queries every day. This is great for those occasional moments where you need a quick hint without doing a deep dive on the internet. For users requiring more extensive help, there’s an option to subscribe for additional queries.
The tool ensures a safe user experience by suggesting commands rather than executing them for you, eliminating the risk of unintended actions on your system. It has guardrails in place to reject potentially harmful queries, promoting safe practices and preventing code injection or other forms of misuse.
One of How2's features allows for the creation of Bash scripts. If the initial suggestion doesn’t quite hit the mark, you can simply tweak your query with relevant keywords to improve the results. Sometimes, just adding terms like "for loop" or "one liner" can make all the difference.
In addition to the native AI model, by using the -s
flag, How2 provides the capability to search StackOverflow via Google. This feature adds an extra layer of support by tapping into the wealth of knowledge available on this renowned programmers' resource.
Whether you're using a Mac, Windows, or different flavors of Linux, How2 has got you covered. It’s also compatible with PowerShell, allowing those who are using Windows to benefit from How2’s assistance.
If you're ready to try out How2, downloading it is straightforward. For MacOSX users, you can install it using Homebrew. Ubuntu and Debian enthusiasts can fetch it with wget
and install it using dpkg
. Other Linux and Windows users have dedicated binaries available for download. For those who prefer npm
, it is also available for installation through the Node package manager.
Created by Claudio Santini in London, How2 is a useful addition to any command-line user's toolkit. Whether you're a beginner feeling overwhelmed by the command line or an experienced user looking for a faster way to script, How2 can simplify the process and enhance your productivity.
Interested users can learn more about How2, the pricing for additional queries, and the investor information on their website. You can also check out the How2 source code on GitHub or learn more about the package on NPM. To stay updated with new features or get in touch with the author, you might consider following Claudio Santini on Twitter @hireclaudio.